RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — While Hurricane Ernesto moves north through the central Atlantic, it is not expected to have any direct impacts along the U.S. East Coast. However, there is some exciting news for aviation and weather enthusiasts in North Carolina.
A P-3 Orion aircraft from the Hurricane Hunters has made a rare stop in Wilmington, NC.
"Our aircraft moved from Barbados to Wilmington, N.C. conducting missions to Ernesto. They are flying one more mission tomorrow and recovering back to Lakeland, FL to end the flight series," stated a representative from NOAA.
This brief visit is a unique opportunity to witness one of the vital tools in hurricane monitoring and research.
The P-3 Orion, equipped with sophisticated instruments, flies directly into tropical storms and hurricanes to gather critical data which is used by meteorologists to produce more accurate forecasts for the systems.
Though Ernesto may not threaten the U.S. coast, the information collected by the P-3 Orion will also contribute to ongoing research and future storm readiness.
Stay with CBS 17 for the latest updates on Hurricane Ernesto and more details about this rare visit from the hurricane hunters.